Question for null space of a matrix

In summary, we have a 4×3 matrix A and a vector c=2a1+a2+a3. If N(A) = {0}, this means that the null space of A only contains the zero vector. This implies that the linear system Ax=c has a unique solution, as there are no other vectors that can satisfy the equation.On the other hand, if N(A) ≠ {0}, then the null space of A contains more than just the zero vector. This means that there are infinitely many solutions to the system Ax=c, as any vector in the null space can be added to the particular solution c to obtain another solution. Therefore, the number of solutions to the system Ax=c is infinite when N(A
  • #1
shiecldk
1
0
Let A be a 4×3 matrix and let
c=2a1+a2+a3

(a) If N(A) = {0}, what can you conclude about the solutions to the linear system Ax=c?

(b) If N(A) ≠ {0}, how many solutions will the system Ax=c have? Explain.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
shiecldk said:
Let A be a 4×3 matrix and let
c=2a1+a2+a3

(a) If N(A) = {0}, what can you conclude about the solutions to the linear system Ax=c?

(b) If N(A) ≠ {0}, how many solutions will the system Ax=c have? Explain.

Hello and welcome to MHB! :D

We ask that our users show their progress (work thus far or thoughts on how to begin) when posting questions. This way our helpers can see where you are stuck or may be going astray and will be able to post the best help possible without potentially making a suggestion which you have already tried, which would waste your time and that of the helper.

Can you post what you have done so far?
 

1. What is the null space of a matrix?

The null space of a matrix is the set of all vectors that, when multiplied by the matrix, result in a zero vector. In other words, it is the set of vectors that do not change when multiplied by the matrix.

2. How is the null space of a matrix calculated?

To calculate the null space of a matrix, we need to first reduce the matrix to its reduced row-echelon form using row operations. The columns corresponding to the leading 1's in the reduced row-echelon form matrix will form the basis for the null space.

3. What is the dimension of the null space of a matrix?

The dimension of the null space of a matrix is also known as the nullity of the matrix. It is equal to the number of free variables in the reduced row-echelon form of the matrix. In other words, it is the number of columns in the matrix that do not have a leading 1.

4. What is the significance of the null space of a matrix?

The null space of a matrix helps us understand the linear dependence or independence of its columns. If the null space is non-empty, it means that there are linearly dependent columns in the matrix. If the null space is empty, it means that the columns are linearly independent.

5. How is the null space of a matrix used in applications?

The null space of a matrix is used in various applications, such as finding solutions to systems of linear equations, solving differential equations, and in data compression and image processing. It also has applications in fields like physics, engineering, and computer science.

Similar threads

  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
8
Views
877
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
24
Views
1K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
1
Views
816
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
6
Views
517
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
619
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
9
Views
4K
Back
Top